The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is set to launch the much-anticipated procurement of up to 80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) — a landmark deal aimed at replacing the ageing An-32 fleet and transforming India’s strategic airlift capability.
Estimated at $6–8 billion, the MTA project will be one of the largest global tenders in the transport aircraft category, enhancing the IAF’s ability to conduct rapid troop deployment, disaster relief, and long-range logistics operations across diverse terrains.
The new aircraft will succeed the Soviet-origin An-32s, which have served faithfully for over four decades but are nearing the end of their operational lifespan. The replacement fleet will feature advanced avionics, higher payload capacity, extended range, and multi-role functionality.
Three major contenders are expected to bid for the contract — Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules (USA), Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium (Brazil), and Airbus Defence & Space’s A400M Atlas (Europe) — each offering unique operational advantages.
- Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules: Already in IAF service, with proven performance and existing support infrastructure, the C-130J provides logistical convenience and operational familiarity. However, its payload capacity may fall short of newer, heavier transport requirements.
- Embraer KC-390 Millennium: A modern, fuel-efficient, and cost-effective platform known for versatility and low maintenance costs, the KC-390 offers multi-role capability, including aerial refuelling and medical evacuation.
- Airbus A400M Atlas: The largest and most capable of the contenders, the A400M offers heavy-lift capacity and long-range endurance — making it ideal for India’s expeditionary logistics and strategic transport missions, albeit at higher acquisition and maintenance costs.
The Request for Proposal (RFP) is expected to be issued by early 2026, under the “Buy and Make (Indian)” category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP). The model will promote foreign collaboration with Indian defence firms, including Tata Advanced Systems, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Larsen & Toubro, ensuring significant local manufacturing and technology transfer.
The MTA programme complements India’s evolving airlift architecture, which includes the indigenous C-295MW aircraft (produced in Gujarat by the Tata-Airbus joint venture) and the C-17 Globemaster-III heavy-lift fleet. This layered transport network will enable the IAF to conduct missions spanning tactical to strategic ranges efficiently.
Officials confirm that evaluation parameters will prioritise lifecycle costs, operational performance, and industrial participation, aligning with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Once operational, the new MTA fleet will not only modernise India’s transport capability but also deepen aerospace partnerships with leading global manufacturers — reinforcing India’s position as an emerging regional defence and aerospace hub.
